Indianapolis is the largest city in Indiana. Indianapolis is the most populous city in Indiana and the 13th largest city in the U.S. Famous as being the site of various sporting events—including the United States Grand Prix, (2000-2007), Indianapolis has dubbed the name, "The Racing Capitol of the World." Counties located within the metropolitan area of Indianapolis are growing at an unprecedented rate. Many relocate here to take advantage of Indiana's rich cultural traditions, festivals, and affordable housing, keeping local Indianapolis movers busy.
Indianapolis's economy is balanced between agriculture and livestock, as well as industry and manufacturing. It collects and distributes much of the food, grain, and livestock in nearby areas. Common industries include publishing, milling, construction, wood, chemicals, electronics, automotives, fertilizer, and pharmaceuticals.
History:
George Pogue is believed to be the first settler of the area in 1819. It was founded as the state capital in 1821. A governor's mansion was built in 1827 in the middle of the city although it was never inhabited by a governor. The building was eventually destroyed in 1857. A 284 foot statue was built on the site called Memorial Circle in 1901. After the nearby White River was unusable, a Central Canal was planned to be built to improve transportation, but it was never completed. Railroads first reached the area in 1847.
At the turn of the 20th century, the area experienced great economic and cultural progress. However, in 1920, the Indiana Chapter of the Ku Klux Klan formed and became the strongest and largest chapter in the country. During the 1920's, the organization took over most of the state government and gained much power very quickly until the leader, D.C. Stephenson, was convicted of rape and murder, and the group subsequently fell very fast. In 1968, when John F. Kennedy heard of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination, he delivered a speech in a poor, urban neighborhood. As a result, the city was the only major one in the United States where no rioting went on. In 1970, Indianapolis merged its city and county governments, which helped unify departments and the surrounding suburbs.
Tourism:
Indianapolis International Airport is eleven miles from the city. Major sports teams include the football Colts and the basketball Pacers, among several other smaller professional and collegiate teams. Additionally, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the famous Indy 500, attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the city every year. Historical buildings include the state capital building, the state library, and the homes of James Riley and Benjamin Harrison. Museums in the city include Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Indiana State Museum, and the NCAA Hall of Champions.